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United States Patent |
5,728,002
|
Hobert
|
March 17, 1998
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Craps game layout with a jackpot wagering area offering multiple wagers
Abstract
A craps game is disclosed that incorporates a jackpot wagering area in a
traditional craps game. In the jackpot wagering area, a player may make a
bet that covers multiple wagers, including at least one jackpot sequence
wager that a jackpot sequence of dice outcomes will be rolled. The jackpot
sequence has a relatively remote possibility of occurrence and,
correspondingly, a high payoff. A jackpot wagering area bet covers wagers
in addition to the jackpot sequence wager. For example, the bet may also
cover an additional jackpot sequence wager, a lower payoff sequence wager,
or a traditional craps wager.
Inventors:
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Hobert; Marcus V. (3318 Kenwood Ave., Davenport, IA 52807)
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Appl. No.:
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556254 |
Filed:
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November 13, 1995 |
Current U.S. Class: |
463/17; 273/274; 463/26 |
Intern'l Class: |
A63F 009/04 |
Field of Search: |
273/274,309,146,138 A,138.2
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References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
3399897 | Sep., 1968 | Mitchell | 273/146.
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3904208 | Sep., 1975 | Grossman | 273/146.
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4334685 | Jun., 1982 | Robbins et al. | 273/274.
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4688803 | Aug., 1987 | Ollington | 273/274.
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4900034 | Feb., 1990 | Bereuter | 273/274.
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4902019 | Feb., 1990 | Berman | 273/256.
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5133559 | Jul., 1992 | Page | 273/274.
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5308081 | May., 1994 | Bartle | 273/274.
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5350175 | Sep., 1994 | DiLullo et al. | 273/274.
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Other References
Scarne's Complete Guide To Gambling by John Scarne, Simon and Schuster, pp.
257-267, Dec. 1961.
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Primary Examiner: Layno; Benjamin H.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: McAndrews, Held & Malloy, Ltd.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application is (1) a continuation-in-part application of U.S.
Ser. No. 08/305,178 (Attorney Docket No. 10433US01) filed Sep. 13, 1994,
now U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,547; (2) and a divisional application of U.S. Ser.
No. 08/389,537 (Attorney Docket No. 10433US04) filed Feb. 16, 1995, now
U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,670. The entire disclosure of these applications
including the drawings and appendices are incorporated herein by reference
as if set forth fully in this application.
Claims
I claim:
1. A craps game, comprising:
a) a craps game layout;
b) a pair of dice each having six faces bearing a visual representation of
the numbers one through six, the dice being used to randomly generate a
plurality of single roll dice outcomes calculated by adding a number from
each die, the single roll dice outcomes including a plurality of point
numbers and the number 7;
c) a pass line wagering area on the craps game layout for receiving a bet
on a pass line wager, the pass line wager being won when one or more rolls
of the dice yield an established point number prior to rolling the number
7;
d) a jackpot wagering area for receiving a bet on a plurality of jackpot
area wagers, the jackpot area wagers including a first jackpot sequence
wager that a first jackpot sequence of dice outcomes is rolled, the first
jackpot sequence having a relatively remote probability of occurrence
compared to a single roll dice outcome, the first jackpot sequence being
won when a first jackpot sequence of dice is rolled.
2. The craps game of claim 1, wherein the first jackpot sequence wager is
played repetitively.
3. The craps game of claim 1, wherein the jackpot area wagers further
include a second jackpot area wager that a second jackpot sequence of dice
outcomes is rolled, the second jackpot sequence having a relatively remote
probability of occurrence compared to a single roll dice outcome, the
second jackpot sequence being won when a second jackpot sequence of dice
is rolled.
4. The craps game of claim 3, wherein the first and second jackpot sequence
wagers are played consecutively.
5. The craps game of claim 4, wherein the first jackpot sequence wager must
be won to qualify for the second jackpot sequence wager.
6. The craps game of claim 5, wherein the second jackpot sequence wager has
a higher payoff than the first jackpot sequence wager.
7. The craps game of claim 3, wherein the first and second jackpot sequence
wagers are played concurrently.
8. The craps game of claim 7, wherein the first and second jackpot sequence
wagers are mutually exclusive.
9. The craps game of claim 3, further including a first display for showing
a number to be rolled to progress toward winning the first jackpot
sequence wager and a second display for showing a number to be rolled to
progress toward winning the second jackpot sequence wager.
10. The craps game of claim 3, further including a first indicator for
showing progress toward winning the first jackpot sequence wager and a
second indicator for showing progress toward winning the second jackpot
sequence wager.
11. The craps game of claim 3, further including a first jackpot display
for showing a first jackpot that may be won and a second jackpot display
for showing a second jackpot that may be won.
12. The craps game of claim 1, wherein the jackpot area wagers further
include a low payoff sequence wager that a low payoff sequence of dice
outcomes is rolled, the low payoff sequence having a probability of
occurrence higher than the first jackpot sequence and lower than a single
roll dice outcome, the low payoff sequence being won when a low payoff
sequence of dice is rolled.
13. The craps game of claim 12, wherein the low payoff sequence wager and
the first jackpot sequence wager are played consecutively.
14. The craps game of claim 13, wherein the low payoff sequence wager must
be won to qualify for the first jackpot sequence wager.
15. The craps game of claim 12, wherein the low payoff sequence wager and
the first jackpot sequence wager are played concurrently.
16. The craps game of claim 1, wherein a particular single roll dice
outcome must be rolled to qualify for the first jackpot sequence wager.
17. The craps game of claim 1, wherein the first jackpot sequence of dice
outcomes is predetermined.
18. The craps game of claim 1, wherein the first jackpot sequence of dice
outcomes is randomly generated.
19. The craps game of claim 18, wherein the first jackpot sequence of dice
outcomes is randomly generated by a computer.
20. The craps game of claim 1, wherein the first jackpot sequence of dice
outcomes is partially predetermined and partially randomly generated.
21. The craps game of claim 1, wherein all jackpot area wagers are
predetermined.
22. The craps game of claim 1, wherein all jackpot area wagers are randomly
determined.
23. The craps game of claim 1, wherein all jackpot area wagers are
partially predetermined and partially randomly determined.
24. The craps game of claim 1, wherein at least one jackpot area wager is
predetermined and at least one jackpot area wager is randomly determined.
25. The craps game of claim 1, wherein at least one jackpot area wager is
predetermined and at least one jackpot area wager is partially
predetermined and partially randomly determined.
26. The craps game of claim 1, wherein at least one jackpot area wager is
randomly determined and at least one jackpot area wager is partially
predetermined and partially randomly determined.
27. The craps game of claim 1, further including a first display for
showing a number to be rolled to progress toward winning the first jackpot
sequence wager.
28. The craps game of claim 27 wherein the first display is incorporated in
the craps game layout.
29. The craps game of claim 1, further including a first indicator for
showing progress toward winning the first jackpot sequence wager.
30. The craps game of claim 29, wherein the first indicator is incorporated
in the craps game layout.
31. The craps game of claim 1, further including a first jackpot display
for showing a first jackpot that may be won.
32. The craps game of claim 31, wherein the first jackpot display is
incorporated in the craps game layout.
33. The craps game of claim 1, wherein the jackpot wagering area is
incorporated in the craps game layout.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a craps game layout that includes a
jackpot wagering area. The jackpot wagering area offers multiple wagers
including at least one jackpot sequence wager with a high jackpot payoff.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The game of craps is a popular casino game. The allure of dice games dates
to ancient times. Today, most casinos provide craps tables for the
entertainment and enjoyment of their guests.
Craps players enjoy the game for many reasons. First, unlike many other
casino games, a craps player controls the random outcome of the game. One
player, commonly called the "shooter," rolls a pair of dice to determine
if particular bets are won or lost. Each craps player in turn may take
control of the game by rolling the dice. Despite the random outcome of the
dice rolls, players enjoy actively participating in the randomly
determined outcome of the craps game. In contrast, in games such as
roulette, blackjack, slots, and video poker, the casino or a machine
controls devices that determine the outcome of the game.
In addition, craps players enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship of the
game. At the craps table, many players place the same bets on particular
rolls or combination of rolls of the dice. For example, most players place
a bet on the "pass line." Then, all bets are individually won or lost
based on the same dice rolls. Accordingly, although each player's bets and
payoffs are distinct, most players at a single craps table share a common
interest in particular outcomes of the dice.
At the craps table, most players' fortunes rise and fall with the shooter.
Although a minority of players bet against the shooter, most players win
when the shooter throws a winning roll. Accordingly, due to the common
good fortune, the players often cheer, slap hands, congratulate each
other, and proclaim the perceived prowess of the shooter. This group
celebration contributes to the excitement of the game of craps.
Also, experienced craps players enjoy the variety and complexity of
possible bets in a craps game. A craps table includes a wide variety of
possible bets. For example, a player may bet that an 11 will be rolled on
the next roll of the dice by throwing in a chip and declaring "Yo Eleven."
A player may bet that a 6 will be rolled before a 7 by throwing in a chip
and declaring "Place the 6." Also, on the "pass line" or "come line," a
player may make a bet with multiple opportunities for winning and the
possible option of increasing the bet.
In addition, the payoffs on bets vary widely depending on the odds of
certain dice outcomes. Further, a player may maximize the payoff on a
particular bet by betting a particular dollar amount. For example, when
making a place bet on the 6 (betting that a 6 will be rolled before a 7),
a bet that generally pays 7 to 6 odds on a winning roll, a player obtains
better odds by betting in increments of six rather than the customary
five. To even further complicate a craps players' choices, the casino's
percent advantage, or "vigorish," varies for different bets.
As can be seen, the possible bets and payoffs in a craps game are varied
and often complex. This variety and complexity of bets further contributes
to the excitement of the game for experienced craps players.
Finally, a craps game is played at a fast pace. Obviously, players must
make all bets before the outcome of a dice roll is known. Casinos
encourage players to quickly make bets between dice rolls so that the dice
may be given to a shooter to start or resume play.
Thus, the opportunity to actively participate in the game, the commonality
of interest in dice outcomes, the variety and complexity of bets, and the
fast pace of the game make craps a challenging and exciting game.
However, many potential craps players are not attracted to the game. Many
are intimidated by the fast pace of the game, the complexity of the
potential bets, and the loud and boisterous atmosphere around the craps
table. However, casinos seek to increase the number of craps players at
their tables. Many casinos offer free craps lessons to prospective
players. Also, many casinos provide free in-room videos to their
hotelguests that teach the game of craps. Despite these efforts, many
potential craps players are timid and do not approach the craps table.
However, if these potential players could be enticed to play and learn the
game of craps, they could become regular craps players.
In addition, casinos compete for the seasoned craps players. This
competition takes many forms. For example, many casinos attempt to create
a magnificent fantasy environment for their guests. Also, many casinos
provide free lodging, food, and/or admission to specifically identified
guests. Finally, at the craps table, casinos often decrease their percent
advantage, or "vigorish," to attract craps players.
Seasoned craps players understand the odds of most bets. These players tend
to place bets on outcomes that offer the casinos the least advantage. In
addition, seasoned craps players gravitate to casinos that offer craps
tables with advantageous wagering opportunities. These advantageous
wagering opportunities, however, decrease the advantage to the host
casino.
Many casinos do not wish to sacrifice their percent advantage on craps
wagers to attract seasoned craps players. Also, the market quickly becomes
saturated with magnificent fantasy environments and incentives to guests.
However, casinos seek to attract new players to the craps table and to
attract seasoned players from other casinos.
Most everyone longs to "hit the jackpot." People dream of the day when a
large amount of money might suddenly come into their life. People
fantasize about purchasing a new home, starting a business, sending their
children to college, or taking a special vacation. In pursuit of this
dream, people enter lotteries, sweepstakes, and play certain casino games.
Although the dream may never come true, these games provide entertainment
and allow people to dream.
Accordingly, casinos often offer jackpots or large payoff opportunities in
connection with certain casino games. For example, slot machines often
offer the opportunity to win a large amount of money on a relatively small
wager. Casinos market this opportunity to attract people to the casino to
play their slot machines. Once attracted to the casino, the slot machine
player often also plays other games, makes purchases at the casino, or
stays at the casino hotel.
Despite the appeal of jackpots and large payoff opportunities, casinos have
traditionally not included large jackpots in the game of craps. Most
commonly, the highest payoff in a craps game is 30 to 1. These odds are
generally insufficient to attract new players to the game of craps.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,019, Berman discloses a jackpot opportunity in a
craps game. In Berman's craps game, the casino pays a jackpot when the
shooter bounces a die off a wall and lands it inside a geometric shape
embossed on the craps table. This game was not well received. First, the
craps game would become a carnival game of skill testing the shooter's
skill at bouncing a die on a table. Second, the jackpot condition, landing
the die inside the shape, was unrelated to traditional craps wagers.
In some other prior art dice games that offer a large payoff for a
relatively low wager, the game is not craps. Seasoned craps players expect
a recognizable craps game layout with familiar craps wagers. Seasoned
craps players will not roll dice simply because a large jackpot is
possible. Craps players want to play craps. If the traditional craps game
is not included with the possibility of a jackpot, many craps players will
not play the game. Also, most casino guests are attracted only to the
traditional casino games.
When providing the opportunity to win a large jackpot, casinos have found
that players enjoy the simultaneous opportunity of winning a smaller
payoff. Most slot machines, for example, offer both large jackpots and
smaller payoff opportunities on the same bet. When placing a bet in a slot
machine, a player might have the opportunity of winning a small payoff of
two to three times the amount wagered, a medium payoff of ten to fifty
times the amount wagered, or a large jackpot of one hundred, one thousand,
ten thousand, or more times the amount wagered. Players enjoy this range
of opportunity. The odds of winning a particular payoff on a given bet are
inversely related to the amount that may be won. Large jackpots are won
very infrequently, lower payoffs are won more frequently. Although the
payoffs are lower, players win more frequently and have a higher
expectation of winning on any given bet. The lower payoffs allow players
to play the game longer in hopes of winning a large jackpot. Therefore,
the simultaneous opportunity of winning either a large jackpot or a
smaller payoff increases the entertainment value of the game.
In addition, when offering the possibility of winning a large jackpot,
casinos may attract players by promoting and displaying the large possible
jackpot. A jackpot display adds to the excitement of a game and
contributes to the exciting atmosphere in a casino. For a progressive
jackpot, the jackpot will grow larger and larger until it is won. Players
may track this growth on the display. As the jackpot grows, player
excitement builds, usually resulting in increased play of the game and
increased excitement in the casino.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a craps
game that attracts new players to the game but retains the elements of a
traditional craps game.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a craps game that
offers the opportunity to win multiple wagers, including at least one
jackpot, on a single bet.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a craps game that
offers the simultaneous opportunity to win a large jackpot and a smaller
payoff on a single bet.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a craps game
that offers the opportunity to win a large jackpot when making a
traditional craps wager with a smaller payoff.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention is a craps game with traditional craps
wagering areas on a craps game layout. The traditional craps wagering
areas receive bets on traditional craps wagers. However, the craps game
also includes a jackpot wagering area.
The jackpot wagering area receives bets on multiple jackpot area wagers.
The multiple jackpot area wagers include a jackpot sequence wager that a
jackpot sequence of dice outcomes is rolled. The jackpot sequence has a
relatively remote probability of occurrence.
In addition to the jackpot sequence wager, a bet on the jackpot wagering
area also covers at least one other jackpot area wager. The other jackpot
area wager or wagers may be one or more additional jackpot sequence
wagers, one or more low payoff sequence wagers, or one or more traditional
craps wagers.
The present invention offers many advantages. The present invention
incorporates a jackpot into a traditional craps game. The jackpot will
entice new craps players to play the craps game but will not deter
experienced players that seek a traditional craps game. Also, the present
invention offers players the opportunity to win multiple wagers, including
at least one jackpot wager, on a single bet. In one embodiment, players
may win multiple jackpot wagers on a single bet. In another embodiment,
players may win more frequent lower payoff wagers while attempting to win
the infrequent high payoff jackpot wagers. In a further embodiment,
players may win a jackpot wager when betting on a traditional craps wager.
These multiple opportunities to win will increase the entertainment value
of a single wager, encourage wagering at the craps table, and generate
excitement in the craps game.
These and other advantages will become apparent as the following
specification is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a craps table with a jackpot wagering area
that provides multiple, consecutive jackpot sequence wagers. The craps
table also includes a display area for showing players' progress toward
winning the jackpot sequence wager and a number to be rolled to progress
toward winning the jackpot sequence wager.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a craps table with a jackpot wagering area
that provides a jackpot sequence wager and a lower payoff sequence wager
that are played concurrently. The craps table also includes a display area
for showing players' progress toward winning the jackpot sequence wager
and the lower payoff sequence wager and a number to be rolled to progress
toward winning the jackpot sequence wager.
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a jackpot wagering area that provides a lower
payoff sequence wager and a jackpot sequence wager that are played
sequentially.
FIG. 4 is a front plan view of a display area for showing players' progress
toward winning a lower payoff sequence wager and a jackpot sequence wager,
a number to be rolled to progress toward winning the jackpot sequence
wager, and a jackpot to be won.
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a jackpot wagering area that provides
multiple, mutually exclusive jackpot sequence wagers.
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a traditional craps wagering area.
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a jackpot wagering area that provides a
jackpot sequence wager and a traditional craps wager that are played
concurrently. The jackpot wagering area also includes a display for
showing players' progress toward winning a jackpot sequence wager and a
number to be rolled to progress toward winning the jackpot sequence wager.
In the Figures, the following reference characters are used:
2 craps game layout
4 craps table
6 surface
8 wall
10 place numbers
12 come line
14 the field
16 pass line
18 proposition bets area
20 jackpot wagering area
22 computer
24 display
26 first match indicator
28 second match indicator
30 third match indicator
32 jackpot sequence wager
34 lower payoff sequence wager
36 fourth match indicator
38 fifth match indicator
40 sixth match indicator
42 display area
44 jackpot display
46 seventh match indicator
48 eighth match indicator
50 first jackpot sequence wager
52 second jackpot sequence wager
54 third jackpot sequence wager
56 traditional craps wagering area
58 traditional craps wager
60 multiple indicators
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Although the invention is described in connection with one or more
preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited to those embodiments.
The invention includes alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that
are included in the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the craps game of the present invention. The
craps game may be played on a conventional craps table 4, having a surface
6 and a wall 8. Alternatively, the craps game of the present invention may
be played on a video screen. The surface 6 of the craps table 4 includes
the craps game layout 2. The craps game layout 2 includes several of the
traditional craps wagering areas, including the place numbers 10, the come
line 12, the field 14, the pass line 16, and the proposition bets area 18.
However, the craps game layout 2 also includes a jackpot wagering area 20.
In the jackpot wagering area 20, players may wager that a jackpot sequence
of dice outcomes will be rolled. The jackpot sequence has a relatively
remote probability of occurrence. Therefore, a casino may offer relatively
high odds on the jackpot sequence wager. Accordingly, drawn by a desire to
"hit the jackpot," new players will approach the craps table 4 and
seasoned craps players will be attracted from casinos lacking a craps game
with jackpot opportunities. However, because the craps game layout 2
retains the traditional craps wagering areas, the game retains all of the
benefits of the traditional craps game.
As disclosed in my previous applications U.S. Ser. Nos. 08/305,178 and
08/389,537, incorporated by reference, the jackpot sequence may be a
variety of dice outcomes having a relatively remote probability of
occurrence. Also, the jackpot sequence may be predetermined or randomly
generated. To increase the appeal of the craps game, the jackpot wagering
area 20 allows multiple jackpot area wagers on a single bet.
As used herein, the jackpot wagering area 20 is the space for receiving
bets. Preferably, the jackpot wagering area 29 is on the craps layout 2.
However, the jackpot wagering area may be separated from the craps game
layout 2 and the craps table 4 without deviating from the scope of the
invention.
The jackpot area wagers are the wagers that may be won by making a bet on
the jackpot wagering area 20. In FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7, the indicia in
the jackpot wagering area 29 describes the jackpot area wagers. The
indicia describing the jackpot area wagers may also be placed outside the
jackpot wagering area 20. For example, the jackpot area wagers may be
described on the wall of the craps table 4 or on any other surface
readable by the craps players. Regardless, the jackpot wagering area 20 is
the place where jackpot area wagers are received.
The jackpot area wagers may include, for example, multiple jackpot sequence
wagers, one or more jackpot sequence wagers combined with one or more
lower payoff sequence wagers, or one or more jackpot sequence wagers
combined with one or more traditional craps wagers. The various jackpot
area wagers may be predetermined, randomly generated, or partially
predetermined and partially randomly generated.
In FIG. 1, the jackpot wagering area 20 provides a randomly determined
jackpot sequence wager 32. Before each dice roll, a random number from 2
to 12 is generated by a computer 22 behind the wall 8 of the craps table
4. The random number is displayed on the display 24. If the shooter rolls
the number shown on the display 24, the casino or host activates the first
match indicator 26. The computer 22 then generates a second number. On the
next roll, if the shooter rolls the second number, the host activates the
second match indicator 28. The computer 22 then generates a third number.
On the next roll, if the shooter rolls the third number, the jackpot
sequence has been rolled. The host activates the third match indicator 30
and pays all bets made on the jackpot wagering area 20. The winning bets
remain on the jackpot wagering area 20 and are eligible for the next
jackpot sequence. For the next jackpot sequence, the payoff may remain the
same.
If the shooter fails to match the required number at any time, the host
deactivates any activated indicators and the jackpot sequence resets.
However, all bets in the jackpot wagering area 20 remain in effect.
Accordingly, each bet in the jackpot wagering area 20 is eligible for
multiple, consecutive jackpot sequences. The bets are lost when the
shooter ends his or her turn by "crapping out."
Alternatively, the jackpot sequence may consist of more or less than three
numbers. Also, the jackpot sequence may be predetermined, rather than
randomly generated. In that case, the same predetermined jackpot sequence
is played repetitively. In addition, the numbers may be randomly generated
by a die, multiple dice, dice in an enclosure, such as a cage, that rolls
the dice, a spinning, segmented wheel, or other mechanical means. Further,
rather than three different numbers, the host may define the jackpot using
a single randomly generated number that must be matched three times in a
row.
Although FIG. 1 shows a payoff of 100 to 1 in the jackpot wagering area 20,
the host may set the odds at another amount. Alternatively, instead of
displaying the odds on the craps game layout 2, the computer 22 may
generate the odds and display the odds on the display 24. If the computer
calculates and displays the odds, the odds may be varied based on the
numbers to be matched. In particular, if the same number must be matched
three times in a row, the computer 22 could display the odds for the
particular sequence of numbers. In this way, the host may offer a higher
payoff on the jackpot sequences that have a lower probability of being
rolled, such as three 11's in row. Correspondingly, the host may decrease
the payoff on the jackpot sequences that have a relatively higher
probability of being rolled, such as three 6's in a row.
FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the craps game of the present invention.
In FIG. 2, the jackpot wagering area 20 provides a jackpot sequence wager
32 and a lower payoff sequence wager 34 that are played concurrently.
The jackpot sequence wager 32 is identical to the wager described in
reference to FIG. 1. The computer 22 generates a random number that is
displayed on the display 24. The progress of the jackpot sequence is
tracked by the match indicators 26, 28, and 30. However, bets made on the
jackpot wagering area 20 are also eligible to win a lower payoff sequence
wager 34.
The lower payoff sequence wager 34 is won when the shooter rolls any of the
field numbers (2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12) three times in a row. Like the
jackpot sequence, the lower payoff sequence is tracked by three match
indicators 36, 38, and If the shooter rolls three field numbers in a row,
the host pays all bets made on the jackpot wagering area 20. The winning
bets remain on the jackpot wagering area 20 and remain eligible for the
jackpot sequence and the next lower payoff sequence. Similarly, if the
jackpot sequence wager 32 is won, as described above, the winning bets
remain on the jackpot wagering area 20 and remain eligible for the lower
payoff sequence and the next jackpot sequence.
If the shooter fails to roll a field number at any time, the host
deactivates any activated indicators and the lower payoff sequence resets.
However, all bets in the jackpot wagering area 20 remain in effect.
Accordingly, each bet on the jackpot wagering area 20 is eligible for
concurrent, multiple, and consecutive jackpot area sequences. The bets are
lost when the shooter ends his or her turn by "crapping out."
Alternatively, the lower payoff sequence may consist of any sequence of
dice outcomes having a probability of occurrence relatively higher than
the remote probability of occurrence of the jackpot sequence. Also, the
lower payoff sequence may consist of more or less than three numbers. Of
course, the host may lower the payoff on the lower payoff sequence to
recognize its higher probability of occurrence. Finally, the jackpot
sequence may be predetermined, rather than randomly generated.
The concurrent jackpot sequence wager 32 and lower payoff sequence wager 34
increases the entertainment value of making a bet on the jackpot wagering
area 20. The jackpot sequence wager 32 will be won infrequently. However,
the lower payoff sequence wager 34 will be won more frequently and will
increase player interest in the jackpot wagering area 20. Players will
have a higher expectation of winning on the jackpot wagering area 20 and
will be positively reinforced by the more frequent lower payoffs.
FIG. 3 shows yet another embodiment of the craps game of the present
invention. In FIG. 3, the jackpot wagering area 20 provides a lower payoff
sequence wager 34 and a jackpot sequence wager 32 that are played
sequentially. To qualify for the jackpot sequence wager 32, a player must
first win the lower payoff sequence wager 34.
FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of a display area 42 for tracking the
sequential wager of FIG. 3. The display area 42 includes a display 24, a
jackpot display 44, and eight match indicators 26, 28, 30, 36, 38, 40, 46,
and 48. The display area 29 may be placed on the wall 8 of the craps table
4, like the display area 42 in FIGS. 1 and 2, placed on the surface 6 of
the craps table 4, or placed on any surface in proximity of the craps
table so that it is visible to the players. Also, the elements of the
display area 42 may be separated and placed on separate surfaces.
In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the lower payoff sequence wager 34 is won when
the shooter rolls any of the point numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) five times
in a row. As shown in FIG. 4, the lower payoff sequence is tracked by the
five match indicators 26, 28, 30, 36, 38. If the shooter rolls five point
numbers in a row, the host pays all bets made on the jackpot wagering area
20. The winning bets remain on the jackpot wagering area 20 and become
eligible for the jackpot sequence wager 32. To win the jackpot sequence
wager 32, the shooter must then match the number displayed on the display
24. The jackpot sequence is tracked by three match indicators 40, 46, 48.
If the shooter matches the number three times in a row, the jackpot
sequence wager 32 is won. Thus, each bet in the jackpot wagering area 20
is eligible for multiple, sequential jackpot area sequences.
As shown in FIG. 4, the payoff for the jackpot sequence wager 32 may be
displayed in a jackpot display 44. This payoff may take the form of a
progressive jackpot. Because of the low probability of rolling two
sequences in a row, the jackpot sequence wager 32 will be won very
infrequently. Therefore, based on unsuccessful wagers, the jackpot for the
jackpot sequence wager 32 may be allowed to grow progressively at a rate
defined by the host. In addition, the jackpot shown in the jackpot display
44 will visibly grow and generate interest and excitement among the
players. Also, despite the low probability of winning the progressive
jackpot, the lower payoffs from the lower payoff sequence wager 34 will be
won relatively frequently and will keep many players interested in the
progressive jackpot.
If the shooter fails to roll a required number at any time, the host
deactivates any activated indicators and the lower payoff sequence resets.
At this point, the host may declare all jackpot area wagers lost and
collect all bets on the jackpot wagering area 20. Alternatively, the host
may allow all jackpot wagering area 20 bets to remain in effect. Under
this alternative, the bets are lost when the shooter ends his or her turn
by "crapping out."
FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of the craps game of the present
invention. In FIG. 5, the jackpot wagering area 20 provides multiple,
predefined, mutually exclusive jackpot sequence wagers 50, 52, and 54. The
first jackpot sequence wager 50 is won when the shooter rolls three 11's
in a row and then rolls a 7. The second jackpot sequence wager 52 is won
when the shooter rolls all the point numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) in any
order and then rolls a 7. The third jackpot sequence wager 54 is won when
the shooter rolls the three craps numbers (2, 3, 12) in a row and then
rolls a 7. The three jackpot sequences may be tracked by indicators, as
previously described.
A single wager in the jackpot wagering area 20 covers all three jackpot
sequence wagers 50, 52, and 54. However, the three wagers are mutually
exclusive. Each requires different numbers to win. Accordingly, a player
may win only one of the jackpot sequence wagers on a single wager. Thus,
each bet in the jackpot wagering area 20 is eligible for multiple, but
mutually exclusive, jackpot area sequences.
If the shooter fails to roll a required number at any time, the jackpot
area wagers are lost and the host collects all bets on the jackpot
wagering area 20. Alternatively, the host may simply reset any activated
indicators and allow all jackpot wagering area bets to remain in effect.
Under this alternative, the bets are lost when the shooter ends his or her
turn by "crapping out."
FIG. 6 shows a traditional craps wagering area 56. The "Any Seven" wager,
commonly found in the proposition bets area 18, allows a player to bet
that a 7 will be rolled on the next roll. After a bet is made on the "Any
Seven" wagering area, the host pays all bets if the next roll is a 7. If
the next roll is not a 7, the host collects all bets on the "Any Seven"
wagering area.
FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the
jackpot wagering area 20 provides a traditional craps wager 58 and a
jackpot sequence wager 32 that are played concurrently. The traditional
craps wager 58 is the "Any Seven" wager and is identical to the wager
represented in FIG. 6. However, bets made on the jackpot wagering area 20
are also eligible to win the jackpot sequence wager 32.
After making a bet on the jackpot wagering area of FIG. 7, a player may win
the "Any Seven" traditional craps wager 58 if a 7 is rolled on the next
roll. If the next roll is not a 7, the player may still qualify for the
jackpot sequence. If the roll matches the number on the display 24, the
host activates the first of the multiple indicators 60 and any bets on the
jackpot wagering area 20 remain in play. If the next six rolls also match
the number on the display 24, the host pays all bets made on the jackpot
wagering area 20 at the higher jackpot payoff. If the first roll is not a
7 and the shooter fails to match the displayed number at any point, the
host deactivates any activated indicators and all bets on the jackpot
wagering area 20 are lost.
The display 24 may be included in the craps game layout 2, as shown in FIG.
7. However, as previously described, the display 24 may be placed on many
alternative surfaces. Also, the jackpot payoff may be predetermined and
displayed on the craps game layout 2. Alternatively, the jackpot payoff
may be allowed to grow progressively or may be shown on an alternate
surface, as previously described. Also, as previously described, the
jackpot sequence may be any sequence of dice outcomes with a relatively
remote probability of occurrence. Finally, the traditional craps wager 58
may be other wagers such as, for example, an 11 proposition bet, a field
bet, or a "Big 6" bet.
The concurrent wagers make the traditional craps wager 58 much more
attractive to players. Many players refuse to play certain traditional
craps wagers, such as many proposition bets, because the odds greatly
favor the host. However, with the added attraction of a potential jackpot,
many players will make wagers despite the advantage to the host. Thus, the
concurrent wagers will increase the entertainment value and increase the
play of traditional craps wagers.
Also, the host percent advantage on many traditional craps wagers, such as
many proposition bets, is high. In addition, the odds of players actually
winning the jackpot are very low. Therefore, the host may profitably
provide a jackpot in connection with the traditional craps wager. Although
it may pay a few jackpots, the host may realize increased revenue to cover
these jackpots from the increased play on the jackpot wagering area 20.
The disclosed wagering odds and suggested jackpots in this specification
and accompanying drawings are presented for illustrative purposes only.
Actual wagering odds and jackpots for particular wagers may be calculated
at the host's discretion within the limits of applicable federal, state,
and local laws.
I contemplate several modifications that may be made to the disclosed
embodiments of the present invention that fall within the scope of the
present invention. For example, the disclosed invention may be easily
adapted to be played on a video terminal or related medium. Also, the
jackpot sequence wagers, lower payoff sequence wagers, traditional craps
wagers, and combinations thereof disclosed in this specification and
drawings are illustrative only. Many alterations, variations, and
combinations are possible that fall within the scope of the present
invention. Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have
been described, those skilled in the art will recognize other
modifications that may be made that would nonetheless fall within the
teachings of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention
should not be limited to the game described. Instead, the scope of the
present invention should be consistent with the invention claimed below.
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